Stormy Arrival at Mohawk

Kate McKay, owner of the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe, arrives at the historic Mohawk Mountain Resort with her rekindled high school sweetheart, Jake. Their plan: a cozy, work-and-play weekend leading ice cream workshops at the scenic, if off-season, Catskills retreat. But a nor'easter traps them and a handful of guests, cutting off access to the outside world. The resort, once inviting, now feels isolated and eerie, especially under the stern watch of general manager Mrs. Moody and her odd bellman, Tarleton. As the storm rages, Kate's doubts about her relationship with Jake and her new life choices swirl as thick as the fog outside.

Ice Cream Weekend Begins

Despite the weather, Kate meets the eclectic group of guests: Franny, a bubbly librarian from Minnesota; Bethany, a glamorous cosmetics heiress, and her aloof boyfriend Gordon; Yoko, a sharp young entrepreneur; and Naveen, a charming British-Indian gentleman. The group bonds over dinner, ice cream, and shared stories, but tensions simmer beneath the surface—especially between Bethany and Yoko, who share a mysterious, frosty history. The storm outside is matched by the undercurrents of rivalry, ambition, and old wounds within.

Darkness and Death Descend

A power outage plunges Mohawk into darkness, and the group is forced to make do with candles and flashlights. As they gather for parlor games, a scream pierces the night. Kate and Jake find Franny in shock—and Bethany's body, stabbed multiple times. With the storm blocking all escape and the police unable to reach them, the guests realize they are trapped with a killer. Suspicion and fear take hold, and Kate's instincts as an amateur sleuth are awakened.

Stranded with Suspects

The group tries to carry on with the planned workshops, but the murder overshadows every interaction. Kate observes the guests closely, noting their reactions, alibis, and possible motives. Gordon's grief seems shallow; Yoko's animosity toward Bethany is palpable; Naveen's past is shadowed by tragedy; Franny's cheerfulness seems forced. Mrs. Moody's cold efficiency and Tarleton's oddness add to the unease. Kate begins to suspect that everyone has something to hide—and that the murder was no random act.

Secrets in the Shadows

As Kate leads ice cream-making sessions, she uses the opportunity to probe her fellow guests. She learns of Yoko's professional betrayal by Bethany, Gordon's financial desperation, and Naveen's heartbreak over his daughter's fate. Franny reveals she was adopted and is planning a major life change. Mrs. Moody's relationship with Tarleton is more maternal than professional, and her own past is murky. Kate's investigation is complicated by her own emotional turmoil and the claustrophobic atmosphere of the storm-besieged resort.

Melting Motives

Kate uncovers that Yoko's business is being sabotaged by negative online reviews—likely Bethany's doing. Gordon is caught in a web of blackmail and corporate espionage. Naveen's daughter suffered a breakdown while working for Bethany's family company, giving him a motive for revenge. Franny, seemingly harmless, is the only guest who received a personal invitation to the weekend, raising questions about her true purpose. Mrs. Moody's past as a social worker involved in controversial adoptions comes to light, hinting at deeper ties to the guests.

The Ties That Bind

Through research and a call to her niece Emma, Kate discovers that Mrs. Moody once facilitated the adoption of a baby girl given up by a young Gloria La Montaine—Bethany's mother. That baby is Franny, making her and Bethany half-sisters. Mrs. Moody orchestrated their meeting at Mohawk, hoping for a joyful reunion. Instead, the revelation adds a new layer of motive and emotional complexity to the murder, as Franny's envy and sense of loss come into sharper focus.

Bitter Flavors Revealed

Kate confronts the guests with her findings, piecing together the web of resentments and betrayals. Yoko's career was derailed by Bethany's scheming; Gordon's financial ruin is tied to Bethany's family; Naveen's daughter's life was destroyed by the toxic environment at La Montaine Cosmetics. Franny's lifelong sense of displacement and longing for the life she "should have had" as Gloria's daughter becomes increasingly apparent. Mrs. Moody's guilt over her role in separating the sisters is palpable.

The Past Comes Calling

Emma's research uncovers that Naveen, under a different name, was once accused (but acquitted) of murdering a business partner in a case eerily similar to Bethany's death. Mrs. Moody's own history of "kidnapping" her adopted son Tarleton is revealed, as is her deep involvement in the La Montaine adoption. The pasts of all the suspects are shown to be intertwined with secrets, regrets, and unresolved pain, each providing a plausible motive for murder.

A Web of Deceit

As Kate closes in on the truth, she is attacked—nearly suffocated with a laundry bag scented with Yoko's failed product, a clue that points to Franny. A note, seemingly from Jake, lures Kate into the resort's hedge maze. There, Franny confronts her, knife in hand, and confesses: she killed Bethany out of jealousy and a desperate desire to claim the life she believed was stolen from her. Franny's plan is to eliminate Kate as well, staging her death as an accident.

The Sisterhood Secret

Tarleton, ever the gentle giant, stumbles upon the confrontation in the maze, followed by Mrs. Moody and Jake. Franny's confession is overheard, and the murder weapon—an antique knife from the resort's display—is secured. The police, finally able to reach the resort, take Franny into custody. The tragic irony is clear: Mrs. Moody's attempt to reunite the sisters has ended in bloodshed, and the wounds of the past have claimed another victim.

The Maze of Truth

As the storm clears and the road is reopened, the guests prepare to leave, each changed by the ordeal. Naveen reflects on the scars left by past trauma; Yoko contemplates her future; Gordon faces the consequences of his actions. Mrs. Moody and Tarleton retreat into their private world, burdened by guilt and loss. Kate and Jake, shaken but safe, confront the uncertainties in their own relationship, realizing that love, like ice cream, is best enjoyed before it melts away.

The Killer Unmasked

Franny is arrested, her motives laid bare: a lifetime of longing, envy, and the belief that happiness was her birthright. The group is left to process the shock and sorrow of what has transpired. Kate's determination, empathy, and intuition have brought the truth to light, but at a cost. The weekend that began with the promise of sweet indulgence has ended in bitter revelation.

Justice and New Beginnings

As the guests depart Mohawk, each carries away lessons about the dangers of secrets, the corrosive power of envy, and the importance of forgiveness. Kate, reunited with her family, contemplates the future—with Jake, with her business, and with a renewed sense of purpose. The storm has passed, but its impact lingers, a reminder that beneath the surface of even the sweetest gatherings, darkness can lurk—and that only by facing the truth can healing begin.

Characters

Kate McKay

Kate is the heart of the story: a thirty-something entrepreneur who left a high-powered PR career in New York City to open her own ice cream shop in her hometown. Intelligent, empathetic, and quietly determined, she is both an observer and a participant, drawn into the mystery by circumstance and her own curiosity. Kate's relationships—with Jake, her family, and the guests—are marked by ambivalence and longing for connection. Her psychological journey is one of self-discovery, as she balances the demands of caretaking, romance, and her own need for independence. Her ability to read people, ask the right questions, and see through facades makes her a natural detective, but her compassion is her greatest strength.

Jake Pratt

Jake is Kate's high school sweetheart, recently reunited after years apart. He is steady, practical, and deeply loyal, running an organic dairy and planning a new farm stand. Jake's presence is both comforting and challenging for Kate, as their rekindled romance forces her to confront old wounds and new uncertainties. He is patient but not passive, pushing Kate to be honest about her feelings. Jake's role as both assistant and romantic interest provides emotional ballast, but his own vulnerabilities—especially around trust and forgiveness—add depth to his character.

Franny Schneffer

Franny presents as a cheerful, slightly awkward librarian from Minnesota, eager to embrace new experiences. Beneath her sunny exterior lies a lifetime of longing, envy, and a sense of displacement stemming from her adoption. Her secret connection to Bethany as her half-sister, and her belief that she was robbed of the life she deserved, drive her to murder. Franny's psychological profile is one of deep-seated resentment masked by forced optimism, culminating in a desperate, violent bid for recognition and belonging.

Bethany La Montaine

Bethany is the beautiful, privileged daughter of cosmetics mogul Gloria La Montaine. Outwardly confident and successful, she is also manipulative, competitive, and capable of cruelty—especially toward rivals like Yoko. Her social media presence and family connections make her both admired and resented. Bethany's murder is the spark that exposes the festering wounds and hidden motives of those around her, revealing the dark side of ambition and entitlement.

Gordon Bradley

Gordon is handsome, charming, and deeply self-interested. His relationship with Bethany is transactional, driven by financial need and the hope of access to her wealth. Caught in a web of blackmail and corporate betrayal, Gordon's shallow grief and evasive behavior make him a prime suspect. Psychologically, he is a study in narcissism and desperation, willing to compromise ethics for personal gain.

Yoko Wallace

Yoko is a young, driven entrepreneur who once worked at La Montaine Cosmetics, only to be sabotaged and fired by Bethany. Her online business is under attack from negative reviews—likely Bethany's doing—fueling her resentment and sense of injustice. Yoko's cool exterior masks deep hurt and a fierce desire to prove herself. Her psychological arc is one of survival and adaptation, but also of unresolved anger and vulnerability.

Naveen Sharma (Deepak Varma)

Naveen is a cultured, affable British-Indian man with a tragic past: his daughter's breakdown and disappearance into a cult, and his own implication in a murder years earlier. He is thoughtful, empathetic, and deeply wounded, seeking solace in books and conversation. Naveen's dual identity and history of being accused (but acquitted) of murder add layers of suspicion and complexity. His psychological journey is one of loss, guilt, and the search for redemption.

Mrs. Merle Moody

Mrs. Moody is the general manager of Mohawk, projecting an air of cold efficiency and control. Her past as a social worker involved in controversial adoptions, and her secret as Tarleton's adoptive (and possibly biological) mother, reveal a capacity for both rule-breaking and deep love. Her attempt to reunite Franny and Bethany is well-intentioned but tragically misguided. Psychologically, she is driven by duty, guilt, and a longing to make amends for past decisions.

Tarleton Moody

Tarleton is Mrs. Moody's son, a large, awkward man who works as the resort's bellman. He is simple, kind, and eager to please, but also socially awkward and easily manipulated. His relationship with his mother is central to his identity, and his presence provides both comic relief and moments of unexpected insight. Psychologically, Tarleton is childlike, craving approval and belonging.

Emma

Emma is Kate's teenage niece, a tech-savvy, creative force who assists with research and emotional support from afar. Her ability to uncover hidden truths online is instrumental in solving the mystery. Emma represents the next generation: curious, adaptable, and fiercely loyal to family.

Plot Devices

Locked-Room/Closed Circle Mystery

The nor'easter and fallen tree physically isolate the characters, ensuring the killer is among them. This classic device heightens tension, limits suspects, and forces psychological confrontation, echoing Agatha Christie's best work.

Multiple Motives and Red Herrings

Each character is given plausible motives, from professional rivalry to family secrets, financial desperation, and old wounds. The narrative structure weaves these threads, keeping the reader guessing and shifting suspicion.

Dual Timelines and Hidden Pasts

The story's emotional core is rooted in decades-old adoptions, betrayals, and traumas. Foreshadowing and gradual disclosure of backstories create suspense and deepen character development.

Amateur Sleuth and Psychological Insight

Rather than relying on forensic evidence, the plot hinges on Kate's ability to read people, ask probing questions, and connect emotional dots. Her psychological insight is both her strength and her vulnerability.

Symbolism of Ice Cream

The recurring motif of ice cream—its creation, sharing, and enjoyment—serves as a symbol of innocence, nostalgia, and the desire for sweetness in life. Its presence contrasts with the bitterness and violence that emerge, highlighting the duality of human nature.

The Maze

The hedge maze is both a literal setting for the climax and a metaphor for the tangled web of secrets, lies, and emotional dead ends that Kate must navigate to find the truth.

Analysis

Game of Cones is a deftly layered cozy mystery that uses the familiar trappings of the genre—a storm-trapped group, a murder, and an amateur sleuth—to explore deeper themes of identity, envy, family, and the corrosive effects of secrets. Cynthia Baxter's narrative is as much about the emotional and psychological journeys of her characters as it is about solving a crime. The book interrogates the idea of what we deserve versus what we receive in life, the longing for connection, and the dangers of letting old wounds fester. Through the motif of ice cream—at once a symbol of comfort and a vehicle for community—the story contrasts the sweetness we seek with the bitterness we sometimes create. Ultimately, the novel suggests that healing and justice require facing the truth, no matter how painful, and that the ties that bind us—by blood, by choice, or by circumstance—are both our greatest strength and our greatest vulnerability.

Last updated: July 7, 2025